Which scenario is recognized as an exception to the going-and-coming rule?

• A. Injury occurs during a break at the worksite
• B. Injury occurs on the commute to a personal appointment
• C. Injury occurs while on a temporary assignment away from the usual worksite
• D. Injury occurs while shopping near the workplace

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that injuries during a worker’s commute are normally not covered, but there is a clear exception when the employee is sent on a temporary assignment away from the usual worksite. In that situation, travel is part of the job itself, so injuries that occur while performing that work away from the base site can be compensable.

Among the scenarios, being on a temporary assignment away from the usual worksite fits this exception: the trip and any work done at the new location are duties of employment, not personal travel, so an injury can be covered.

The other scenarios aren’t exceptions to the going-and-coming rule. An injury during a break at the worksite happens while you’re still on the employer’s premises during work hours, which is part of the job but not an exception to the travel rule. An injury during a commute to a personal appointment or while shopping near the workplace is personal travel and errands, not work-related travel, so they don’t qualify as exceptions.